Login required to started new threads

Login required to post replies

Re: Crazy ToC Story: I Finally own a Zipp Wheel… [acronym]
In general, there are no real rules about outside technical assistance for a wheel change. It is part of the sport's "cachet" and history that a spectator can be so involved as to sacrifice something in the hopes the competitor can continue.

In the case of your crit rider who claimed a rule against a wheel change, he is most likely mistaken. In general, crits are small course and very fast. Taking support and feeding outside the designated zones is typically dangerous. So feeding is restricted by the commissaires to a particular area.

In the case of mechanical incidents, you have to get to the mech repair zone, often near the start finish. There, an official can consider your predicament and grant a "free lap" starting you back in with the pack the next time they come around, and you are still racing as if nothing happened.

You probably won't get a free lap if you take a change somewhere on the course, and come rolling around, dropped, saying "I flatted, then got a wheel, and now I want a free lap". Most commies will tell you you blew it, have fun catching up. "no lap for you!"

In general you DON'T get a free lap for a crash. Only a mechanical incident. Crashing is part of racing and it is considered just another way you can lose a race. There is some forgiveness if your bike breaks or tire flats. A typical trick, if you have crashed, is to get your ass to the mech repair, and while you are running, jam your rear brake against the wheel. Make sure the mechanic has something to fix, so the commie says "oh yes, that's a mechanical problem too...free lap for you!" and off you go. Nobody cares about your skinned knees and elbows...just don't show up to the tent with a working bike.

Smelly.

ErgVideo.com
Last edited by: Paul Smeulders: Feb 21, 08 18:52

Edit Log: